Articles tagged with Substance Related Disorders
Two NIH-funded studies will investigate pregnenolone's potential to treat substance use disorders and co-occurring depression. Researchers aim to determine whether a single brain-based approach can address overlapping conditions in behavioral health.
A study published in Addiction Neuroscience found that music therapy reduces cravings and alters brain activity in people with substance use disorders. The therapy was shown to improve emotional regulation and reduce negative emotions, providing encouraging evidence for its role in addiction treatment.
A major international study suggests that gaming disorder is 98.9% similar to gambling disorder, while binge eating disorder and compulsive sexual behaviour disorder also show a high degree of overlap. The findings highlight the need to recognize behavioural addictions and seek support earlier, potentially reducing stigma and improving...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that medetomidine withdrawal cases have quadrupled in recent years due to its increased potency in the illicit opioid supply. Patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms, including tachycardia and organ damage, require specialized treatment, including dexmedetomidine ...
A new FAU study pinpoints non-fatal overdose hotspots in Palm Beach County, revealing associations between overdose locations and built-environment features. Outdoor overdoses were more likely to occur near gas stations, major transportation corridors, and in non-residential areas, with housing instability emerging as a strong factor.
A 5-year study in BC found that decriminalization reduced police encounters for drug possession by 39% without changes in overdose deaths or hospitalizations. The partial recriminalization period also saw declines in drug-related hospitalizations and overdose deaths, but similar trends were seen in other parts of Canada.
Patients exposed to medetomidine report extreme sedation, severe withdrawal symptoms, and treatment challenges, highlighting the need for improved surveillance and clinical protocols. The study emphasizes the importance of awareness and tailored treatment for patients with opioid use disorder.
A study of 637,000 adolescents found that cannabis use disorder diagnoses began climbing after recreational cannabis was legalized in California in 2016, reversing a steady decline in the three years prior. The researchers say their findings call for disorder-level outcomes to be tracked alongside standard measures of use prevalence an...
A Simon Fraser University study found that police drug seizures without arrest increased by 2.5-4.1% during BC's first year of decriminalization, with participants who experienced seizures being three times more likely to experience a non-fatal overdose. The study analyzed data from 490 participants and suggests that decriminalization ...
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School and the Marine Biological Laboratory identified four core clock genes controlling circadian rhythms in a crustacean, which also regulate circatidal behavior. The genetic system is highly malleable, allowing the tiny shrimp to maintain both a 24-hour and a 12.4-hour clock.
The September 2026 issues of APA journals feature new research on treating substance use disorders, mood disorders, and pediatric anxiety disorders. Journal highlights include studies on the effects of parental social media use and the implementation of measurement-based care in mental health services.
A new atlas of the brain’s striatum has identified 31 subgroups of neurons, including those involved in addiction, depression, and schizophrenia. The atlas may help scientists develop new drugs to combat these conditions, particularly by targeting specific cell populations affected by Huntington’s disease.
A new University of Oklahoma study examines whether targeted social media messages can increase parents' knowledge and help them take action to prevent teen vaping. The research aims to give parents the information and tools they need to recognize vaping and help prevent its use with their children.
Researchers from SWPS University found that mimicry in social interactions doubles tobacco consumption and makes quitting difficult. The study showed that when participants mimicked the smoker's movements, they were more likely to smoke and less likely to quit.
A University of Kansas researcher is using FDA addiction science to test the addictive properties of hyperpalatable foods. She will recruit participants and provide them with different food stimuli, then measure their responses to determine if the foods have reinforcing effects. The study aims to identify specific ingredients that boos...
A new study by UTEP researchers found that early nicotine vapor exposure increases nicotine seeking behavior in adult male rats, even after long periods of abstinence. The study suggests that early exposure to nicotine vapor can lead to durable changes in the brain's reward system, driving nicotine-seeking behavior into adulthood.
A new Cochrane review finds that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective in helping people quit smoking than conventional methods like nicotine gums and patches. The review of 80 randomized controlled trials involving 29,861 participants showed that e-cigarettes led to higher quit rates, resulting in about 4 more quitters per 100 people.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that social isolation increases alcohol consumption in male mice by activating a specific brain circuit, while decreasing it in female mice. The researchers identified a neural pathway connecting the basolateral amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex, which may hold key to understanding alc...
A study published in eClinicalMedicine found that illicit fentanyl use is more than twice as common as medically based use in the US. Illicit users have a significantly higher risk of opioid-related harmful outcomes, with a 3-fold higher risk of nonfatal overdose.
A new trial will assess whether Semaglutide reduces alcohol consumption in people with alcohol use disorder, obesity, and liver disease. The four-year CURB project aims to explore the potential benefits of the weight loss drug in treating alcohol-related liver disease and obesity.
A new study reveals that using cannabis in multiple forms may signal a higher risk of heavy use and addiction. About 1 in 7 cannabis users, who also use cannabis in nearly every form, are more likely to experience daily use and addiction.
The five-year Brain-FRAMe program aims to improve clinical care and brain health for people with HIV and active methamphetamine use disorder through innovative, multidisciplinary treatment approaches. The program investigates the combined efficacy of long-acting injectable ART and medication for addiction treatment.
Researchers at Virginia Tech developed a wearable microneedle patch called the iNal patch that can detect fentanyl in the body and automatically release naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. The patch uses porous silica nanoparticles loaded with naloxone, which is released when fentanyl levels are detected.
A study published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reveals that mobile addiction services can effectively treat people who use drugs, particularly those disconnected from traditional care. The Mass General Brigham Kraft Center for Community Health model proved successful in improving outcomes and red...
A new study found that adults with disabilities have more than three times the rate of alcohol use disorder diagnoses compared to adults without disabilities in the US. Adults with serious mental illness and acquired brain injuries had the highest rates of AUD, with men with disabilities having the highest rates.
A new University of Michigan poll reveals that 31% of people aged 50 and over have never heard of any mental health crisis line, while 69% are unfamiliar with 988. Despite this, most participants expressed willingness to use these services in a mental health emergency, highlighting the need for increased awareness-raising efforts.
A new study published in Prevention Science suggests that current prevention efforts may not be reaching enough people or providing a worthwhile return on investment. The researchers propose a more scalable approach embedded directly into systems people already interact with daily.
Researchers found that a single exposure to cocaine can alter the structure of mouse brain cells, leading to lasting changes in gene expression and neural function. These persistent changes may increase the risk of addiction and raise questions about the potential long-term effects of recreational cocaine use.
The July 2026 issues of APA journals showcase promising findings on social determinants of health, digital therapeutics, and other topics. Researchers explore substance use patterns and telehealth initiatives in rural communities.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open projects that reductions in federal funding for syringe service programs could lead to substantial increases in mortality among people who inject drugs in the US. The study estimates up to 39,600 additional deaths over five years if federal support is reduced.
Researchers at UTA will study how parents and teens discuss alcohol use and social media influences to prevent adolescent alcohol use. The study aims to strengthen early communication between parents and teens and address social media influences.
Global analysis finds that removing criminal penalties for cannabis possession does not increase levels of use, but commercial sale of cannabis is associated with higher rates of addiction and health risks. Tightly controlled legalisation, such as in Uruguay, shows little evidence of changes in cannabis use.
A new study suggests that lower baseline dopamine may drive teenage risk-taking behavior, such as substance experimentation, which tends to decrease with age. The research found that adolescents with lower dopamine levels were more likely to try substances, but their use declined after the college years.
A new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that over 8 million people in the US, approximately 2.8% of the population, reported using psilocybin in the past year. Psilocybin users were more likely to be white, male, and affluent compared to nonusers, and often used other mind-altering substances.
A new study links even low levels of alcohol consumption to increased risks of death, disability, and chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Drinking up to 7 drinks per week is associated with only minimally elevated risks for most conditions, while 14 drinks per week increases mortality risk by 1 in 25.
A new UTEP study found that patients taking weight loss medications like Ozempic and GLP-1s have a lower risk of developing alcohol, opioid, nicotine, and cocaine use disorders. The study's findings suggest these medications may influence dopamine signaling and other neural pathways involved in cravings.
Research suggests that genetic factors influence the strength of rats' aversive responses to cocaine's negative effects. The study found that different rat strains had varying levels of avoidance behavior towards the drug. This suggests a potential genetic basis for individual differences in cocaine use and addiction.
Research reveals cannabis and tobacco co-use is associated with impaired neurocognitive performance in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis. This critical gap in research provides clinicians and scientists with vital new insights into the risks of co-use on vulnerable youth.
Researchers analyzed data from the HEALing Communities Study to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of community-based interventions for reducing opioid overdose and non-overdose deaths. They found that a combined strategy of improving treatment initiation, retention, and naloxone distribution could reduce opioid overdose deaths by 15-40% ...
A new study found that switching to a nicotine e-cigarette reduces toxicant exposure and improves quitting rates, with the nicotine group having a higher chance of quitting entirely. The study's results suggest that nicotine e-cigarettes could serve as an effective off-ramp for smokers seeking to reduce their tobacco use.
Surgical patients with mental health and/or substance use disorders who receive music therapy have a 41.8% longer length of stay compared to those without music therapy. They also exhibit increased resource-intensive admissions, anxiety, trauma/stress-related disorders, and heart failure.
Two studies by Rutgers University professor Colleen Berryessa explore how expressions of remorse are interpreted in the legal system, finding that it can lead to serious inequities in legal outcomes. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and education within the legal system to better understand how remorse is assessed.
Visitors to a California region with numerous substance use disorder treatment centers experience higher levels of overdose, particularly out-of-state individuals. The study suggests that the industry's lack of oversight and predatory practices contribute to this hotspot.
A new study found that kratom exposures reported to US poison centers increased 6,500% between 2010 and 2023, with severe outcomes rising from zero cases to 158. States with kratom bans had lower rates of exposure and healthcare use compared to those with regulations.
Research from the University of Kansas reveals that chronic pain is linked to higher rates of smoking and vaping, particularly among those with more severe pain. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing both chronic pain and tobacco use.
The latest issues of APA journals publish new research on cannabis use disorder, stigma reduction interventions, and co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders. Highlights include studies on depression-related stigma among Black and Latinx youths and the impact of text engagement in a brief technology-enhanced intervention.
A new study highlights how geography and regulations limit methadone access in US jails, with over half of facilities located more than a 30-minute drive from the nearest opioid treatment program. This distance creates logistical challenges for providing this lifesaving medication to incarcerated individuals.
Lawrence Toll has been named a senior member of the National Academy of Inventors for his pioneering work on pain pathways, reward systems, and potential treatments. His research focuses on identifying new drug targets and therapeutic strategies to combat chronic pain and addiction.
A new automated tobacco treatment system integrated into pediatric care helped drive a significant increase in smoking cessation among mothers. The system showed improved behavior among mothers, potentially protecting hundreds of thousands of children from secondhand smoke exposure.
A clinical trial found that weekly injectable extended-release buprenorphine treatment resulted in higher rates of illicit opioid abstinence during pregnancy compared to sublingual buprenorphine. Serious adverse events were also less common in the extended-release group.
A new study in 15- to 25-year-olds finds that ADHD treatment improves outcomes for young people with ADHD and substance use disorder, including a 30% decrease in mortality. Despite being diagnosed with both conditions, young people are less likely to receive ADHD medication.
A recent study found that delta-8 THC products often lack clear and consistent labeling, with high doses found in products marketed to youth. The study highlights concerns for consumer safety, as the products are subject to fewer regulations than medical and recreational cannabis.
Researchers propose a new measure for recovery from substance use, recognizing incremental progress, to reduce stigma and improve quality of life. The study found strong associations between proportion of remission and quality-of-life measures, suggesting a paradigm shift in how recovery is measured.
A large US study published in The BMJ found that GLP-1 receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity may also help lower the risk of addiction to various substances. The study associated GLP-1 receptor agonists with reduced risks of adverse outcomes such as overdoses and drug-related emergency department visits and deaths...
A massive Swedish study of over 2 million individuals reveals that genetic risk for mental illness is far less disorder-specific than clinicians have assumed. Schizophrenia shows the highest genetic specificity, while drug use disorder has a much lower specificity, scattering its genetic risk across multiple conditions.
A mobile app has been shown to significantly reduce opioid and non-opioid substance use among adults with unstable housing, as well as improve mental health measures. The uMAT-R app provides free support and resources for people with any substance use disorder, including misuse of opioids, stimulants, and hallucinogens.
Scientists employed targeted sound vibrations to influence brain behavior in a computer game, revealing robust effects on neurotransmitter levels and choice behavior. The technique may offer new treatments for conditions like depression and addiction, which involve disrupted brain regions.
A new Flinders University study reveals that fear of punishment and lack of trust in management are major barriers to tackling alcohol and drug risks at work. SBIRT, a health-based approach, is proposed as a solution, but its effectiveness depends on trust and confidentiality.
A federally funded research initiative at Oregon Health & Science University examines the safety and effectiveness of state-regulated access to psilocybin, a psychedelic substance used for treating mental health conditions. The five-year study aims to assess the impact of legal psychedelic services on substance use disorders.
Researchers at the University of Iowa Health Care identified acetazolamide as a potential target for preventing opioid use disorder relapse. The study found that blocking the activity of brain enzyme carbonic anhydrase 4 boosted acid-sensing ion channels, reducing drug-seeking behavior and relapse in mice.